Heights Casino Squash
Apparently, membership does NOT have its privileges. A local family says their daughters were sexually harassed by three of the club’s squash pros and the Casino did little about it. The NY Post reports, “Julie and Edward Burke claim The Heights Casino on Montague Street, “reluctantly” investigated their allegations, but hid its findings and disciplined no one, according to a petition filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court.” The papers also claim several other families complained to the Casino board.
Laurent Elriani, 42, husband of junior squash program director Linda Elriani allegedly compared the bust sizes of his young charges. Alberto Rezende is said to have openly bragged about engaging in carnal delights within close proximity to Bar Mitzvah guests when the club was “overrun” by children. A third, Fabian Kalaitzis, 43 reportedly flaunted his tinder account in front of young girls.
A spokesperson for the Brooklyn Heights Casino said, “All allegations of misconduct were thoroughly investigated by an independent third party and dealt with accordingly. We view this lawsuit as a baseless attempt to slander the Heights Casino and plan to defend our club vigorously.” The Elriani’s deny the allegations as false and are planning to “clear their good names” with a counter-suit.
The Heights Casino, located in historic Brooklyn Heights, was founded in 1904 as a private, community squash, tennis and social club. Its membership stands at over 400 families. The club has long been identified as a New York City squash strong-hold, with facilities that include 6 international.
For some back story on the historic Flemish Revival building and the club’s less than inclusive past membership practices, check out Chuck Taylor’s archived post from 2012. The blog will post any further details of the case as it develops.
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- 2017-18 Pro League Finals: Heights Casino vs. (L-R) Andrew Douglas, Marina Stefanoni, NY Squash President Cleve Miller, Referee Alwyn Callender, Nicole Bunyan, Todd Harrity.
Heights Casino Squash Coaches
Six NYC clubs field squads of both men and women players, drawing from current PSA touring pros such as US #1 Todd Harrity and world #19 Olivia Blatchford-Clyne, to now-retired PSA legends such as Cameron Pilley and Wael El Hindi.
Clubs & Players (new clubs and teams coming this season!)
Division 1
The Harvard Club of New York
Chris Gordon
Marina Stefanoni
Vikram Malhotra
The Heights Casino
Nathan Lake
Haley Mendez
Laurent Elriani
Andrew Douglas
Equinox
Alan Clyne
Olivia Blatchford Clyne
Chris Binnie
Chris Hanson
Division 2
Heights Casino Squash Club
Princeton Club of New York
Todd Harrity
Nicole Bunyan
Joey Roberts
Olivia Fiechter
The New York Athletic Club
Ramit Tandon
Alister Walker
Clinton Leeuw
Kush Kumar
Eastern Athletic Club
Wael El Hindi
Ashraf Adel
Amr Arafa
Emilia Soini